Essential Oils in the Classroom
Our Favorite and Healthy Way to Make our Classrooms Smell Nice
Can we get real with you all for a minute? We teach middle school. If there is one thing that middle school teachers can all relate to, it is the middle school funk that can sometimes permeate our classroom, shrivel our nose hairs, and make grown women (and men) cry. One way we have come to combat the dreaded middle school funk is to use essential oil diffusers in our classrooms. Not only does diffusing essential oils help to mask some stinky, stanky preteens and teenagers, they also have many awesome health benefits as well.
Now listen, we know that for some teachers and districts, this is an absolute no go. Either you have a student who gets migraines, or you yourself are very sensitive to scents, or your district has banned the use of scented products in the classroom. We get that and we understand completely. The struggle is real, teacher friends! But for the rest of you who are drowning your classroom in floral aerosol sprays or various plug in brands- free yourself of the chemicals. Friends, your body and brains will thank you!
Not all essential oils are created equal. When shopping for essential oils, try to steer clear of the ones found in aisles of big box stores or Amazon. Instead, look for oils with real concentrated plant extracts in them and very little else. If they are organic, even better. If you don’t want to go on a deep dive through the Google rabbit hole of essential oil shopping, we have done the leg work for you. Below is a list of some of our favorite essential oils, essential oil blends, and brands.
Splurge:
Thieves Essential Oil by Young Living. This spicy clove blend is a great immunity booster during the cold and flu season. This is not a cheap product. It retails at $45, but you can get it for $35 if you are a member of Young Living…or know someone who is. We also love Stress Away ($30.50), Purification ($15.75), Christmas Spirit ($10.50), and Citrus Fresh ($15) blends.
On Guard by DoTERRA. This scent is very similar to Young Living. It also has the same price point. Like Thieves, On Guard protects your immune system and is filled with cleansing properties.
Citrus Bliss by DoTERRA. Citrus Bliss is a delicious, clean scent that invigorates and de-stresses students and teachers alike. This retails for $24, but you can also purchase it for $18 wholesale.
Steal(ish):
Some of our favorite scents also come from a company called Plant Therapy. They are kid safe for the elementary teachers in da house, and they are a bit easier on the pocket book for most scents and blends. We also like that many of the blends come in organic options. Below is a list of some of our favorite scents from Plant Therapy.
Calming the Child is a great, light scent that promotes relaxation and a chill atmosphere. It is only $12 for 10 ml.
Happy Place is a scent that also promotes relaxation and helps to lessen anxiety in the classroom. Plant Therapy states, “This oil may help ease physical responses that may result from anxiety, such as agitation, restlessness, poor focus, and repetitive behaviors.”
Sneezy Stop is a must have for the allergy season. If you have the student that spends a majority of class sneezing, sniffling, and just seems miserable in general, this is the oil for you! It is a go-to in our classrooms during the “allergy season” which seems almost year round now-a-days. With a price point of $13.95, it’s a steal.
Another brand we like is Vitruvi. They sell it on their website, but also at Sephora and Goop. We love their Boost blend. It smells like a citrus dream.
Essential oils that are a must-have in your arsenal but that you can buy through many retailers:
Lavender
Cool scents like peppermint and eucalyptus (if you teach the younger kiddos, try this oil. Its kid safe.)
Clove
Citrus scents like lemon, tangerine, bergamot, and grapefruit
Peppermint
Now for the diffusers, you get what you pay for! Some of the best diffusers are pretty pricey. One diffuser that we love, and is absolutely stunning in appearance is the Young Living Desert Mist diffuser, as are the Vitruvi diffusers. We like the white and blush versions.
Another great diffuser with a cheaper price point is the InnoGear 500ml Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser.
So! The time is now! Go out there TTD followers and fill the world, or your classrooms at least, with the sweet scents of essential oils.
Bottoms Up!